Australia’s Jhye Richardson set to be overlooked for third ODI as star pace trio reunite

JHYE Richardson’s reward for starring on debut in a losing cause for Australia will likely be a plastic seat and a few laps of the SCG.

The promising young paceman made a mockery of England great Jimmy Anderson’s criticism of the depth of fast bowling talent in Australia with an exciting debut at the Gabba in Friday’s heavy four-wicket, 34-ball defeat.

He finished with two wickets and, with speeds soaring near the 150km/h mark, England’s batsmen appeared uncomfortable with his pace at times.

Captain Steve Smith turned to him in times of crisis and was pleased with how the 21 year-old responded.

But Richardson’s chances of retaining his spot in the Australian XI appear slim, with Smith confirming the all-star trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will all be available for the do-or-die SCG clash.

Australia must win to keep the best-of-five series alive and Smith indicated they’d be going in all guns blazing with the Ashes-winning pace attack available.

Cummins was rotated out of the team for Friday’s loss, but is expected to return while Hazlewood - who was rested from the opening loss last Sunday and missed the second match through illness - is also tipped to be fit for selection.

Starc has played both matches to date, and showed glimpses of his best at the Gabba in returning figures of 4-59, but any thought of resting him with the series on the line would appear misguided.

“I think all three will be available. We’ll sum up what we think’s the best way to win the next game,” Smith said.

“We’ve obviously got to get ourselves back into the series. If it’s those three playing, then so be it.

“We do need results. It’s a must-win clash for us. We’ll go with whatever we thinks our best on the day.”

It would be a cruel blow for Richardson, who looked the real deal in snaring figures of 2-57 - including the key scalps of England’s top-scorers Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow.

The West Australian would appear to have a bright future and could challenge Australia’s first-choice pace trio down the track if he continues to develop.

Certainly, Smith is a fan.

“I was impressed by Jhye. I thought he bowled really well,” Smith said.

“He swung the new ball, bowled with good pace and hit pretty good areas. Good signs.”

Fellow newcomer Andrew Tye could also find himself on the outer at the SCG, after going wicketless through his first two international matches.

Legspinner Adam Zampa, not selected for the Gabba match, would also come into calculations.

“(Leaving Zampa out) obviously didn’t work as well as we would’ve liked tonight,” Smith said.